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Over the past 18 months, Port Authority has heard from nearly 8,000 riders seeking a transit system that is more accessible and affordable.

Based on those recommendations, we’ve developed a plan we believe will make riding faster, simpler and easier.

The ConnectCard

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Jerry: “Big changes are coming for us Port Authority riders.”

Beginning January 1, 2017,using a ConnectCard will save you moneyand provide opportunities not available to cash-paying riders.

With a Port Authority ConnectCard you will pay a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride, while cash customers will be charged $2.75 at the farebox.

You will also need a ConnectCard if your commute requires a transfer. Paper transfers are going away, so without a ConnectCard you will pay an additional $2.75 (full fare) to reach your final destination.

Get your ConnectCard now while it’s still free. Soon, you will be charged $1 for a new card at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center and at over 70 select Port Authority retail locations.

One Zone/Flat Fare

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Mike: “No more three zones? Even in the suburbs?”

One way we’re proposing to make riding simpler and easier is to make the entire Port Authority system one zone!

When you use your ConnectCard, you’ll pay a flat fare of $2.50 regardless of the distance you travel.

Pay As You Enter

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Alyssa: “That’s the deal. That’ll keep things flowing.”

Should you pay when you’re headed inbound? Outbound? What about in Downtown before 7PM?

Let’s eliminate the confusion and make it simple. Pay when you board the bus regardless of direction or time of day. It's that simple.

It will be more efficient, too, as you will board and tap your ConnectCard in the front of the bus and exit through the back doors.

Comments and Questions

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Get the facts

Over the past 18 months, Port Authority has heard from nearly 8,000 riders seeking a transit system that is more accessible and affordable.

We heard countless stories from individuals visiting Pittsburgh for the first time – even some frequent riders – confused by when to pay, where to pay or how to pay on a particular route. At the same time, other riders suggested offering a variety of new fare options to make riding more convenient.

Based on those recommendations, we’ve developed a plan we believe will make riding faster, simpler and easier. This proposal has the potential to open doors to new riders who otherwise may not consider or be able to afford transit.

Highlighted in the following pages are many of the new ideas being proposed. In short, we plan to simplify our current system by streamlining the boarding and exiting process, eliminating the complex zone system and introducing a number of new, more flexible, fare products.

If approved by the Port Authority Board, we’ll be able to lower the average transit fare in Allegheny County for the first time in at least 35 years. We’ll also be able to provide faster and more efficient service for all Port Authority riders beginning early next year.

Starting January 1, we’re Making it Simple!

Big changes are coming that will make riding Port Authority faster, simpler and easier. The changes will simplify the way you ride by streamlining the current boarding and exiting process, eliminating the complex zone system and introducing a number of new, more flexible fare products.

Below are important changes you should know. For more detailed information regarding new products and fare, exchanging old ticket books, employee and other discounted ride programs, click here.

Save money with a ConnectCard.

Pay $2.50 per ride with a ConnectCard or $2.75 when you pay with cash.

We’re switching to a single zone.

No matter how far you travel, pay $2.50 per ride when you use a ConnectCard.

NO MORE PAPER TRANSFERS.

Simply load your ConnectCard with stored cash value prior to riding, then tap it at the farebox on your connecting trip. When tapped within 3 hours of the last ride, $1 will automatically be deducted from your card in order to pay for the transfer. If you’re paying with cash, however, you’ll pay $2.75 each time you ride.

PAY AS YOU ENTER USING THE FRONT DOOR OF THE BUS.

Regardless of travel direction or time of day, you’ll enter using the front door, pay your fare and then exit through the back door when you arrive at your stop.

Reduced Fare ConnectCard required.

All persons with disabilities will need a Reduced Fare ConnectCard to ride for half fare. Medicare ID Cards will no longer be accepted on vehicles.*

Senior citizens (ages 65 and older) can continue to show their Medicare ID Cards to ride for free.

More details are available on this site or by calling Customer Service at 412.442.2000.

*Medicare ID cards may be used as proof of eligibility to apply for a Reduced Fare ConnectCard.